Characterization of the inflammatory responses in human papillomavirus associated cervical lesions

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a common type of cancer among women in developing countries. The main etiological factor for this type of cancer is the persistent infection with a high oncogenic risk Human Papillomavirus. However, although these viruses display several immune evasion mechanisms, most infected women are naturally capable of eliminating the infection, even when precursor lesions have developed. A fraction of the infected women, however, display persistent HPV infections that may progress to high grade lesions or invasive cancer. Data in the literature indicate that in cancer patients there is an increase in the number of HPV specific regulatory T cells. On the other hand, other groups show that there is a positive correlation between lesion grade and number of inflammatory infiltrating cells in the cervix. The objective of this project is to characterize qualitative and functionally the inflammatory responses in the HPV associated cervical lesions. To that end, we propose a prospective study where low and high grade cervical lesion samples will be collected from patients together with a blood sample of the same patient. In the biopsies we will identify, quantify and determine the activity of inflammatory cells. In the blood samples we will study monocyte and antigen presenting cells phenotype and function. Data obtained in this project is will be extremely relevant in terms of lesion progression and also therapeutic strategies, once interference in the inflammatory processes taking place during lesion progression may alter presentation of viral antigens and anti-HPV immune responses. (AU)